About Sebastian Liew
'One of the most unique and talented practitioners of natural healing and herbalism’
Matthew Wood RH (American Herbalist Guild), author of The Earthwise Herbal and The Book of Herbal Wisdom.
Corporate life in my 20s
My story
After graduating from the Singapore Polytechnic with a diploma in Engineering (1982), I pursued a corporate career in various multinational companies. Despite a relatively successful career in the corporate world, I felt a deep sense of discontentment. I could not handle the never-ending office politics. Working daily in the office was like going to war. I felt the emptiness in my heart had worsened over the years, so much so, I was on anti-depressants for some time.
I finally got down on my knees and started praying for God's guidance and direction. "Surely, God does not want me to be in this situation. I don't think I want to live like this anymore." I had thought.
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” Victor Frankl
Started practice in 1999
I soon started to do research and took courses in various holistic therapies, such as spa therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, touch therapy, and nutrition. Despite my passion and interest in these fields, I was not prepared to give up my full-time managerial position and a good salary. Besides, I was the sole breadwinner in my family. I needed to support the physical, financial, and emotional needs of my elderly parents then. How could I give up my lucrative job?
After a period of part-time work in natural therapies, my decision to finally pursue a full-time career in natural medicine occurred in a spiritual moment. I was conducting massage training at a retreat on an organic farm in Malaysia.
My turning point in life came after three days of eating organic plant foods and being surrounded by plants and herbs. Thanks to the farmer, I touched the plants, taste the leaves and the flowers, enjoy their aroma and I could feel their healing vibrations. These vibrations seem to uplift me, flood my body with love, and open my channels for the reception of universal intelligence. They gave me inspiration, raise my consciousness, and brought me nearer to my soul, the secret chamber of peace.
There was an indescribable joy that sprang from within me. There felt like this spring of water refreshing my heart. I felt I am not alone in my life’s struggles. I am a precious drop of water in an ocean The calling from plants and the awareness of God's love for me were so strong that I shed tears during the sharing session with the participants and the organizers.
After this spiritual awakening, I began my relentless journey to pursue plant medicine. All good things came my way, like meeting the right teachers, guides, and helping hands.
I was trained with top American, German and Australian teachers such as Matthew Wood, Dr. Michael Tierra, Dr. Wighard Strehlow, and Professor Kerry Bone. I am very thankful for them. Through the years and still, so, I try to work on myself, my weaknesses, my inner conflicts, etc., so that I can heal others.
Since I started my practice, I could see tremendous potential in helping others to support and heal health conditions for the body, mind, and soul naturally with plant medicine and lifestyle changes. My role is to treat the whole person, not just symptoms.
By the nature of the work, I support the individual's empowerment to take responsibility for their well-being and self-heal by activating their innate self-healing potential. The client could see that their body has a self-healing power given by the Creator, and they also know the power of plants and nature.
Thereby, they see transcendence and a deep connection with the universe. They realized that they are not alone in their life’s struggles. The integration of body, mind, soul, and nature sets the foundation for true healing and happiness.
This work is my higher purpose. I believe this higher purpose is the major reason for my vitality and inner peace. You have it too. You have the power to heal yourself through plants.
A spiritual transformation with plants
We specialize in phytotherapy (Western herbal medicine) to support the healing of chronic health conditions and work with you to promote holistic health.
Why have I started
Leaf to Life®?
For the past twenty years, I have recommended high-quality practitioner-grade herbal extracts and supplements or nutraceutical products for my clients to support their health conditions. They have complete confidence in the health products I suggested and the professional and holistic protocols that come with them. Along the way, I realized I needed to focus on holistic health since this is one of the primary duties of a naturopath – the doctor is a health teacher.
I felt a call to reach out to more people in Singapore and beyond through teaching and to make my remedies available to the public. Thus, Leaf to Life ® was created.
Practitioner Grade Products
Although many products claimed to be GMP certified (Good Manufacturing Practice), their quality still varies because the FDA (USA) gives manufacturers wide latitude to define their own 'established specifications.' As a result, some choose to be quality leaders, while others do not.
The American Botanical Council estimated that up to 30% of herbal products sold are adulterated with cheaper substitutions with the highest incidence reported in US internet sellers.
Professional Membership /Ethics
Medicinal herbs are at risk for contamination with environmental toxins. There is no regulatory requirement to test for heavy metals in raw herbs used in your food products. Good product formulations must consider the herbs' energetic properties, their actions on the organs, the organ affinities, the potential toxicities, the right synergies between the herbs, etc. Qualified and healing-centered holistic and medical herbalists are trained to create the right and safe formulaes for long-term wellness and safety.
Recognition for European traditional medicine
Leaf to Life® is a professional and practitioner-grade natural health care product brand; supporting your long-term holistic wellness and vitality.
My Achievements
- First qualified Western herbalist (phytotherapy) in Singapore, and probably in Asia, with a doctorate degree in naturopathy and a master's degree in herbal medicine (Australia).
- More than twenty years of clinical experience.
- Accredited/professional member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia.
- The first in Singapore, and probably in Asia, to popularise Western herbal medicine and was awarded the Hildegard prize (Hildegard society, Germany) for pioneering German herbal medicine in Asia.
- Winner of the Natural medicine Specialist Award by Global Health and Pharma (UK), in the years 2018, 2019, and 2021.
- Award winner SME 500 by Association of Trade and Commerce.
- Founder of Leaf to Life ® - A Western herbal product brand, providing evidenced-based ingredients, synergistic blend formulations, and holistic protocols.
- Green & Healthy ambassador for Kampong Senang Charity Foundation (Singapore) to promote the Green and Healthy Movement.